Our homes are considered our safe havens. However, according to the results of a recent survey, it might not be as safe as you think!
The research carried out by the National Accident Helpline, found a staggering 60% of people had been injured in their kitchens alone. Here, we’ll look more into what the research discovered, and which areas of the home are considered the most dangerous.
What did the study find?
The study carried out by accident claims specialist NAHL, surveyed 2000 Brits. It discovered that 73% of Brits have injured themselves on multiple occasions in the home over the past year. It also revealed that many people are aware of the dangers, yet they still get injured.
According to statistics from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Injuries (ROSPA), 2.7 million Brits require a trip to hospital due to an accident in the home. Shockingly, this is said to cost the NHS £45.63 billion each year.
Speaking about the research, Tom Fitzgerald, the Managing Director of the NAHL, states:
“While it’s inevitable that accidents will happen around the house as part of everyday life, it was still surprising to see just how many people are injuring themselves multiple times in their own homes.
Now more than ever, it’s important that the public are being mindful of their surroundings, even in the safety of their own homes, to prevent unnecessary accidents from happening.”
Which areas of the home are the most dangerous?
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the study shows that the kitchen is the most dangerous area of the home, with a 60% chance of injury. This is followed by the garden at 33%, the living room at 31% and the bathroom at 26%.
Every room of the house can pose a safety risk. However, the safest rooms were found to be the attic and garage.
Which items pose the biggest danger?
As well as revealing the most dangerous rooms of the house, the study also showed which items pose a bigger threat. In the kitchen, just under half of respondents said they had injured themselves on a knife during food preparation.
Exercise equipment is also a major contributor. Around 33% of those surveyed stated they had suffered an injury when working out at home. Other items that were seen as the most dangerous in the home include the hob, ladders and a wet floor.
Who is most at risk?
The ROSPA states that children under 5 years old and the elderly are most at risk of accidents in the home. Falls are the biggest threat for the elderly. However, the research carried out by the NAHL surprisingly suggests older people are least likely to have an accident multiple times in the home.
There are a lot of dangers lurking around the home that can lead to injury. The recent research highlights just how prevalent home accidents are and the staggering cost to the NHS. With the ongoing pandemic, it’s important now, more than ever before, to be wary of the dangers in the home to avoid suffering an avoidable accident.
